Aitkin County, Minnesota
Karen Klennert and are from the Aitkin Independant Age Newspaper.
Ernest P. Colas, 87, Aitkin, and formerly of St. Paul, died October 7, 2002, at the Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. He was born February 10, 1915, in St. Paul, the son of Peter and Louise (Harback) Colas. He grew up and attended schools in St. Paul. He married Kathryn Wilson on August 11, 1935, in Hudson, Wisconsin. They made their home in Mendota Heights and he drove truck for a time and then worked in the family restaurant. The Paramount, on Rice Street. He moved to California and worked as a bartender for a year. He returned to Minnesota and opened the Barbecue Inn Restaurant on Rice Street. During this time he also worked in Alaska for about seven months. After a couple of years he went into the trucking business and ran trucks until 1950. He then went to work for a construction company working heavy equipment. The family restaurant was sold and the Shell Oil Company put up a gas station which eh operated for a time. He then secured a liquor license and turned the Barbecue Inn inot a liquor store and operated that from 1960 into the early 1980s. Upon his retirement, he moved to the Aitkin area where he has resided since. He was a member of the Pine Lake United Methodist Church, had served as a reserve officer for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, was a member of the Ancient Landmark No. 5 Masonic Lodge in St. Paul of which he was a past master, was a member of the Aitkin Mystic Masonic Lodge, the Duluth Scottish Rite and the AAD Temple of Duluth. Services were held October 12 at the Aitkin United Methodist Church with Rev. Ruth Hograbe and Rev. Larry Foote officiating. Gail Schardin played the organ. Pallbearers were Craig Johnson, Chris Colas, Scott Johnson, Curt Johnson, Jim Blakesley and Jack Young. Burial was in the Acacia Park Cemetery in Medota Heights. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Sandra Colas, Vadnais Heights; grandchildren and their spouses; Kim and Craig Johnson, Hugo; Terj Jo Colas, St. Paul; Carey and Scott Johnson, Ham Lake; and Christopher and Cami Colas, Vadnais Heights; great-grandchildren; Gina, Andrea and Nicholas Johnson and Jessica and Austen Colas; and sister, Lillian Flack, Anoka. He was preceded ind eath by his parents and wife, Kathryn, in April 2002. Arrangements were with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.
Richard A. Chouinard Sr., 70 McGregor, died October 16, 2002, at the Masonic Home in Bloomington. He was born October 23, 1931. He graduated from North High School in Minneapolis. He was a United States Navy Veteran serving in the Korean War. He married Mary Alyce Blakeman on January 11, 1951, in Anoka. He was employed as a meat cutter for many years. He was a member of Hopkins American Legion, Local Meat Cutters Union and the Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved wood carving and country music. Services were held Oct. 22 at the Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor with Father John Fleischhacker officiating. Burial was in the Rice River Cemetery. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Richard Jr. and Diane, Maple Grove; Janet and Bob Johnson, New Hope; Linda Grengs, Chanhassen, Jim, New Hope; and Gary, Hibbing; grandchildren: Rick, Michaela, Dan, Lucas, Jamie, Cody, Casey, Riley and Brittney; great-grandchild, Rayna; brother, Victor; sisters and their spouses: Elaine Haller, Ann Estenson, Jean Anderson, Irma Moriarity and Harriet Jones; his dog, Cuddles; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Mary Alyce, on May 17, 1998. Memorials are preferred to the Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor. Arrangements were with the McGregor Funeral Home.
LeRoy J. Cihak, 76, McGregor, and formerly of Lakeville, died Oct. 18, 2002. He was a barber for many years in Lakeville after returning from the Army in 1946 where he served in Japan and the Philippines. He ran Lil' Roy's Barber Shop from his home on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling to Florida, Texas and Arizona for winters. He will be missed and remembered by everyone who knew him. A private burial service was held at the Round Lake Cemetery in McGregor. He is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Verna and Elmer thomas, Faribault, and Eunice Tacheny, St. Paul; and special friend and companion, Goldie Adams, McGregor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Anna, and sister, Audrey Mechtel. Memorials are preferred to DAV or donors choice. Arrangements were with the Cremation Society -- Duluth Chapel.
Harold B. Carlson, 72, Aitkin, died Nov. 5, 2002, at the Riverwood Extendedcare Center in Aitkin. He was born Sept. 14, 1930, in Aitkin, the son of Thurston and Salma (Cartie) Carlson-Bjorndahl. No services will be held. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Carol Ann Cartie-Carlson. Arrangements were with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, Aitkin.
Frieda Z. Christiansen, 93, Des Moines, Iowa, and formerly of Palisade and Aitkin, died December 26, 2002, at Des Moines. She was born July 27, 1909, in Hastings, the fourth daughter of Albert and Minnie Grob. As a child she moved with her family to the Rat Lake area during the fire of 1918. She married Hermann Christiansen on October 10, 1937. They lived for many years in Palisade and later moved to Minneapolis where she was employed for several years at Powers Department Store. They retired to Aitkin in 1974. No services are scheduled at this time. A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade at a later time. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Eva, Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Johanna Christiansen, Peopia, Illinois, and Benjamin and wife, Susan Forray, Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hermann, in April of 2002; and sisters, Leona, Louise; and Elsie.
Sheldon J. Carlson, 88, Palisade, died January 1, 2003, at the Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. He was born January 24, 1914, in Greenbush, the son of Charles and Petra (Hanson) Carlson. He moved with his family to the Fleming area near Palisade at the age of six. He attended the Fleming Country School. He then worked for the Palisade Coop. He attended Bookkeeping school at Medicine Lake. He then returned to Palisade and managed the coop for a time. He married Gladys Anderson on November 18, 1939, in Hector. They had been married for 63 years. In the early 1940s he went to the Yukon and worked on the Al-Can Hiway near White Horse as a mechanic. When he returned to Palisade he continued working as a mechanic and also drove school bus until he retired in 1976. He was a lifetime member at Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade; was a charter member of the Palisade Fire Department; served as treasurer of Palisade for many years and was a member of the Palisade Sportsmans Club. He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling and the outdoors. Services were held January 4 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade with Rev. William Sass and Rev. Charles Carlson officiating. Pallbearers were Tom Vandermey, John Fremling, Earl Morris, Francis Kochevar, Terry Kullhem and Curt Carlson. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Anderson, Sherri Dzuik, Julie Loisel, Tracey Fairchild, Wendy Holder, Chris Carlson and Tammy Leonetti. Burial was in the Fleming Cemetery in Fleming Township of Aitkin County. He is survived by his wife, Gadys, Aitkin; son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Brenda Carlson, Grand Rapids; daughters and sons-in-law: Ginny and Dick Anderson, Columbia Heights, and Barb and Harry Gottsch, Brainerd; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers. Arrangements were with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.
Steven L. Carda, 76, Aitkin, and formerly of Bagley and Tyndall, South Dakota, died January 15, 2003, at the Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin. He was born October 2, 1926, in Tyndall, South Dakota, the son of Anton and Albina (Vellek) Carda. He grew up and attended schools at Tyndall. He then worked on the family farm prior to entering the United States Army. He served in the Philippines during World War II. Upon his discharge he returned to Tyndall and married Delores G. Hartman on February 8, 1948. They made their home in Tyndall and farmed in the area. In 1962 they moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and he worked as a foreman for the Schwartz Farm Machinery Manufacturing Company. He worked there until about 1972 when health issues forced his retirement. They moved to Missouri and lived there for a time and thn moved to Bagley in the mid 1980s and lived there until moving to Aitkin in April of 2002. He was a member of the Bagley American Legion Post, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bagley, the Knights of Columbus and the Bagley Moose Club. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Delores C/O Aicota Health Care Center, 850 2nd St. NW, Aitkin, MN 56431. He is survived by his wife, Delores, Aitkin; sons and daughters-in-law; Darvin and Maxine Carda, Springfield, South Dakota, and Terry and Vicki Carda, Tok, Alaska; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Bill Jones, Bunker Hill, Kansas; grandchildren, Tammy Johnson, Aitkin, and Angela Longmore, Dayton, Ohio; great-grandchildre, Kelsy Jo and Jaren Johnson, Aitkin; and brothers, Adolf Carda and Ray Carda, both of Tyndall, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Arrangements are with the Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.
Archie W. Carlisle, 91, Jacobson, died Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital, Grand Rapids. He was born November 24, 1911, in Fayette County, Illinois, to Jesse and Henrietta (Stull) Carlisle and was raised and graduated from high school in Illinois. He was united in marriage to Roberta Mae Cole on July 8, 1933, in Vandalia, Illinois, and moved to the Jacobson area in 1942. He worked as a self-employed farmer, trapper and truck driver. He is survived by his wife, Roberta; two daughters, Nancy (Pat) Jackson, Wirt, Linda (Bob) Hamill, Milaca; tow sons, Leon (Fae) Carlisle, Jacobson, Harvey (Gerrie) Carlisle, Rockport, Texas; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother, Harvey; a grandson, Tracy; and a great-granddaughter, Amanda. Services: Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home. Visitation is from noon until the service. Burial: Harris Cemetery, Harris Township. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.
Eva Caroline Chrisinger, 85, died March 27, 2004, at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Care Center in Crosby. She was born to Everett and Jessie (Norske) Ramey on April 14, 1918, at Provost, Alberta, Canada. As a child, she moved with her family to Swatara in 1924. She attended Swatara School, then graduated from Aitkin High School in 1937. She married Harold Chrisinger on August 21, 1936, in Aitkin. They lived in Palisade for a time where she worked as a telephone operator. They also lived in Calumet and Albert Lea where she worked for the Albert Lea Credit Bureau and for 12 years at the Vaeve Hospital. During this time they took in several foster children. She retired in 1967, and in 1976, they moved back to the Aitkin area to their place on Thornton Lake, later moving into town. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Swatara and Albert Lea, the Naeve Hospital Association and the Aitkin VFW Auxiliary. She was an accomplished quilter and also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and embroidery. She was a diehard Twins fan, enjoyed the casino,, gardening and cooking. Funeral services will be held Fri., April 9, at 11 a.m. at Sorenson-Root-Thompson Funeral home in Aitkin with Pastor Rick Perry officiating. The family will receive frineds from 10-11 a.m. A private family burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby at a later date. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Jan Chrisinger, Brainers; daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Herb Ohm, West Lafayette, Ind.; 10 grandchildren/ 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Harold. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin. Leonard A. "Len" Carlson, 71, Big Sandy Lake, McGregor, died July 12, 2004. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wed., July 21 at 7 p.m.in the Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor. He is survived by his wife, Florence "Flo" (Sinna); daughters and son-in-law, Therese Carlson, St. Paul, and Ann and Philip Kreye of Hudson,, Wis.; sons and daughter-in-law, Andy, St. Paul, and Steve and Angie, Isanti; 16 grandchildren; and sister, Marjorie Goswitz, Palos Verdes, Calif. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Cecilia;s Catholic Church, St. Paul. Memorials are preferred to Priests for Life, P.O. Box 141172, Staten Island, NY 10314-9920 or Eternal Word Television Network, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210. Funeral arrangements were handled by Holcompb-Henry-Bloom in St. Paul; 651-646-2844.
Hertha E. Carlson, age 92, formerly of St. Cloud, died Thursday, July 22, 2004 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, Sauk Rapids, MN. Funeral service will be Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 10:00 am at Benson Funeral Home Chapel, St. Cloud, MN. Visitation will be Friday (today), July 23, 2004, from 4-8 pm at Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. A prayer service will be at 7:30 pm Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in North Start Cemetery, St. Cloud, MN. Hertha E. Carlson was born January 29, 1912 in Jemke, Germany to Herman and Berta (Deurheide) Hache. She married Carl F. Carlson on September 15, 1920 in Aitkin, MN. They moved to St. Cloud in 1939. Hertha as an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Survivors include sons and daughter, Elmer (Maxine) Carlson of Brooklyn Park, MN, Lloyd (Joanne) Carlson of North Branch, MN, Frieda (Doug) Stemm of Windom, MN; Harry Carlson of Billings, MT; Carlyn "Slim" Carlson and Becky of St. Cloud, MN and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl on November 29, 1985. Contributed by Florence Allen Source: St. Cloud Times
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